HISTORIC WRIGHTSVILLE, INC.

Sesquicentennial Anniversary of the

Burning of the Bridge Diorama

124 Hellam Street

Wrightsville, PA 17368

Interior Newly Remodeled in 2013

Hours:

Sundays 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.

May 12th - October 27th

Also by appointment call: (717)252-1169

The Diorama at Wrightsville dates from 1991 when the building housing the diorama was givent to Historic Wrightsville, Inc. The building had previously been a post office, a barber shop and a stove store. In 1996, the diorama opened thanks to gifts from many residents, businesses and organizations, spearheaded by Mr. Dewey Weeks. Mr. Philip Landis developed the sound and light show. Mr. Don Lehman wrote and recorded the narration, and Mr. Clyde Maybee made the diorama

The story told by the narration is one of adventure and history. It tells how the Confederacy under General John B. Gordon reached Wrightsville in June 1863, looking for a way across the Susquehanna River, the last major obstacle between them and the riches of Pennsylvania, including Harrisburg and Philadelphia. It tells of half-trained local militia, using makeshift fotifications and their efforts to stop the Confederates. Finally, it tells of the burning of the Wrightsville-Columbia Bridge, one of the longest covered bridges in the world, to stop the eastern advance of Lee's army, and the cooperation of the residents and the invaders to save the town from fire. Had the Confederates been able to cross the river at Wrightsville, it is entirely possible that the Battle of Gettysburg would not have been fought, and perhaps the Civil War would have had a different ending.

The guides at the diorama are a very knowledgeable group of volunteers who would be happy to answer any of your questions, not only about the Civil War, but about local history and attractions as well.

So do what Lee's army could not do, cross the river to Wrightsville and spend time enjoying our history, our past, and our present.